Wojciech Szczesny starts in goal, while Francis Coquelin makes an appearance at right-back in an otherwise first-choice defence of Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal.

In midfield, Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta form an impressive trio, whilst Gervinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain support Giroud in attack.

A strong bench is also named, with Bacary Sagna, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla, Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski all present ahead of the Gunners' Champions League meeting with Bayern on Tuesday.

Blackburn, meanwhile, select both Olsson twins on the left flank, while Colin Kazim-Richards and Jordan Rhodes have been named in attack.

Elsewhere, Morten Gamst-Pedersen starts on the right, as former Arsenal midfielder David Bentley is on the bench after joining Rovers on loan from Tottenham for the rest of the season.